In Tacitus’ description of the Death of Seneca, the author described details of the emperor’s life, but he also wrote about the examples of stoicism. Stoicism is the ability to endure pain and hardship while retaining the ability to control one’s emotions; Seneca, at his death, was a perfect example of a stoic.
Tacitus described Seneca’s stoicism by giving examples. He talked about how Seneca appeared in public and how he talked and approached people. He stated, “…he saw no signs of fear, and perceived no sadness in his words or in his looks.” (Tacitus). This quotation is basically the definition of stoicism. Seneca did not show fear and he never looked sad when he was talking or writing. Seneca was a strong man who did not vocalize his emotions.
The Death of Seneca continued with more descriptions of the emperor, which gave the reader more examples of stoicism. Tacitus wrote, “He had no reason," he said, “for preferring the interest of any private citizen to his own safety, and he had no natural aptitude for flattery…” (Tacitus). This described Seneca’s control of his emotions and feelings. He did not have to concern himself with any common citizen. He also did not have to give compliments or gratitude. Tacitus continued about Seneca and how he dealt with his almost unlimited wealth and power. He said, “So he had directed in a codicil of his will, when even in the height of his wealth and power he was thinking of his life's close.” (Tacitus). When Seneca was on the brink of death, he did not care about his money or power. In reality, he was thinking about the end of his life. Being able to control these feelings was what made Seneca a stoic.
Tacitus then went on to explain more about Seneca’s death. He described that the pain he put on himself, “…allowed the blood to escape but slowly, severed also the veins of his legs and knees.” (Tacitus) He was slowly bleeding to death without screaming, gasping, or showing pain. He did not show any emotion. Seneca was very stoic, especially during his death. Tacitus also stated, “Worn out by cruel anguish, afraid too that his sufferings might break his wife's spirit, and that, as he looked on her tortures, he might himself sink into irresolution, he persuaded her to retire into another chamber.” (Tacitus) This shows how Seneca hid his pain from his wife. He did not want to hurt her spirit. Seneca was a stoic because of these examples. He was not concerned with his power; he kept those emotions and values hidden. He was thinking of one important thing: his life.
In Tacitus’ Death of Seneca, he described the emperor in detail. These descriptions explained how Seneca was a stoic. He wrote about how Seneca controlled his emotions and feelings around common people. He also described how he dealt with his own wealth and power. Tacitus finally describes how Seneca was only concerned with his death and nothing else. He demonstrated stoicism, especially toward the end of his life.
Halsall, P. (1998). Ancient History Sourcebook: Tacitus: The Death of Seneca. FORDHAM.EDU. Retrieved April 5, 2011, from http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/ancient/tacitus-ann15a.html
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